tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88084970550197214232017-07-29T05:49:54.478-04:00Miss White WallKimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-37227263419227434982017-07-08T12:38:00.000-04:002017-07-08T12:38:13.333-04:00A First Satire SaturdayBecause for obvious reasons <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satire" target="_blank">wiki</a> is everything:<br /><br />"Satire is a genre of literature, and sometimes graphic and performing arts, in which vices, follies, abuses and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, corporations, government or society itself, into improvement. Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society."<br /><br />So what is today's self-analyzing satirical remark?<br /><br />Society today puts all too much pressure on perfection. I'm not sure when, somewhere in the&nbsp;new millennium&nbsp;motherhood changed. Life became more about how things looked than what we did with our lives. I am 100% a different parent than my mother was because I live in a completely different world. I am constantly bombarded by Facebook updates, Pinterest homes, confusing Organic food mothers shaming me for my choice of bread, flip-flopping medical opinions, snooty fabric lovers, anti-big-business sentiments, political pushers and name brand flaunters. What happened to the days where good-enough was healthy and convenience meant more time living rather than "giving up." I realize that every single one of these topics could be a post on its own and maybe I will look here next Saturday for my weekly inspiration. <br /><img alt="" id="id_bd54_deef_bab5_3f17" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_192-BhZlk/WWEJk6Aaz_I/AAAAAAAABy4/9ynEKMNATNYDsDwTX01L6c7B1h4zwWjHgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />For today however, I'm throwing up my hands and giving up on perfection. Giving up on being the perfect mother, with the perfect children, in the perfect house, doing perfect summer projects and I'm going to nap on the couch while the kids try desperately to get my attention. I'm going to ignore the 52 projects in our house currently in process. Ignore the dishes in the sink, laundry scattered about, hair that could use a brush, and all the people currently requesting my presence in some form today.<br /><img alt="" id="id_54c8_3db9_1cbf_22fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m0fSv0_GT5o/WWEJlUlnRjI/AAAAAAAABy8/c5P75ayGcigCjMpoGdcagRK252Am51vOwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">We'll&nbsp;</span>go to Pizza Hut for dinner (it is however my daughter's third birthday), I'll skip the cake baking, order dessert, sleep in our unmade beds and somehow still manage to be just fine. There was a day when none of that mattered anyway. No one saw your hair on Saturday, your house was safe from social media, bedrooms were private, bathing suits were only worn on the beach,&nbsp;dessert was expected when company came over (not frowned upon) and organic wasn't part of an everyday shopping trip.<br /><div><br />My childhood was spent outdoors, with the neighbor kids, with no toys except a ball and bike, a bunch of rocks, a tire swing and dirt... lots and lots of dirt. I miss those days. At least we are trying to teach our children the right things. As Baileywick from Disney's&nbsp;<a href="http://disneyjunior.disney.com/sofia-the-first" target="_blank">Sofia the First</a> teaches Amber:<br /><br />"You may find that when you try to make things perfect, all you do is make everyone around you perfectly miserable."<br /><br />Maybe however, we should practice what we preach!</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-68824680229412434782016-11-09T18:29:00.000-05:002016-11-09T18:29:18.888-05:00TwinsiesLately I've had a ton of intrigue on the topic of selling quilts. I've made a massive number of quilts this year and last year and people have been asking why I don't sell them. I never know quite how to answer this question. It is a difficult topic to conceptualize and explain, and I am always worried about offending someone. I have people weekly asking for quilts, for prices, or simply why I hand away all of my work for free. The simple answer is... you couldn't afford me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dh7lge_4Vi0/WCOslLXF99I/AAAAAAAABxE/S5BX8vyUuToDWSQ-7Xnf0wz3xLRQhSY4gCLcB/s1600/DSC_1476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dh7lge_4Vi0/WCOslLXF99I/AAAAAAAABxE/S5BX8vyUuToDWSQ-7Xnf0wz3xLRQhSY4gCLcB/s320/DSC_1476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Although I rarely blog about the quilts I make because I simply lack the time between diapers, dinners, naps, nighttime, homework and tantrums, I seem to always be busy also quilting. There are numerous websites devoted to the question of why quilting isn't a lucritive business but first let me do my best to bore your pants off.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6bfSu_qYKg/WCOslOsfEtI/AAAAAAAABxA/V-DK8py1gwE68cCYSgc59j5vnfMOq3JzgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6bfSu_qYKg/WCOslOsfEtI/AAAAAAAABxA/V-DK8py1gwE68cCYSgc59j5vnfMOq3JzgCLcB/s320/DSC_1478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It all started 250 years ago during the industrial revolution. Somewhere between 1760 and 1840 the United States began to revolutionize the textile industry with new manufacturing processes. It understood that human power was the most expensive type of power and that in order to save time and money they came up with a "better" more efficient way. Although there still exists people that crave "handcrafted" items, those willing to pay that increasing price gap haven't been able to keep up with the times.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaVIvjjTUfU/WCOsq891e_I/AAAAAAAABxI/qf_dcGIkqaEQNmjTRV3mUFA_TRmrxnJsgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaVIvjjTUfU/WCOsq891e_I/AAAAAAAABxI/qf_dcGIkqaEQNmjTRV3mUFA_TRmrxnJsgCLcB/s320/DSC_1480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Realistically speaking my most common size quilt is a crib quilt for a child/baby. At around 45inches x 60inches, it is both the smallest and easiest quilt I make.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FmGV4mAQ0E/WCOsrfpA0oI/AAAAAAAABxM/oGT1sb4H0ikcmnETqHDaZm9k9xk8jKqrwCLcB/s1600/DSC_1481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FmGV4mAQ0E/WCOsrfpA0oI/AAAAAAAABxM/oGT1sb4H0ikcmnETqHDaZm9k9xk8jKqrwCLcB/s320/DSC_1481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>First you need fabric. I am a reasonable/thrifty person so let's assume for arguments sake I can find you fabric for $7 a yard. I typically spend between $5-$10 per yard.<br /><br />Front Fabric (4 yards 4*$7=$28) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $28.00<br />Back Fabric (2 yards 2*$7=$14) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$14.00<br />Binding Fabric (1/2 yard 1/2*$7=$3.50) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $3.50<br />Batting (2 yards 2*$10-$20) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$20.00<br />Thread &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u> &nbsp;$5.00</u><br />Total Materials &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $70.50<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBRxgxV7dlc/WCOsra68zOI/AAAAAAAABxQ/pgFnrg8RGbEqY1R9CvOzbXqf-0zdPLcfgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBRxgxV7dlc/WCOsra68zOI/AAAAAAAABxQ/pgFnrg8RGbEqY1R9CvOzbXqf-0zdPLcfgCLcB/s320/DSC_1484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I always tell people I spend about 30 hours on a crib quilt, it could be less, it could be more but 30 seems about right when all is said and done. This includes planning, cutting, ironing, sewing, basting, quilting, and binding. Let us assume I make little more than minimum wage at $10/hour. Your quilt now costs roughly $370.50. To top that off, I consider myself a skilled professional and considering the number of quilts I have made, and the wage skilled tradesmen earn (i.e. plumbers, electricians, block layers etc), I am likely worth somewhere more than $20/hour. As a side note, I make more than this at my accounting job. On average, the typical crib quilt won't sell for more than $150-$250, and I'm just not sure that justifies the week I spent making it minus the cost of materials.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3a76u5twMY/WCOswNEdYzI/AAAAAAAABxU/HrHRfS05wyMCA-YbIEzf_dApKDfmqrTAgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3a76u5twMY/WCOswNEdYzI/AAAAAAAABxU/HrHRfS05wyMCA-YbIEzf_dApKDfmqrTAgCLcB/s320/DSC_1488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In the past, I have offered to make people quilts for the cost of materials plus $100. To date, I have had not one person accept that proposal. I had a friend recently ask me to look over her business proposal for quilting and I had a hard time making the numbers work. In a world where we view Pottery Barn as better than handmade and Walmart can sell my product for a 5th or 10th of my price, I'm just not sure quilting has a place if you can make a living doing almost anything else.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jY74zgh-PZQ/WCOsxTsr0kI/AAAAAAAABxc/IDap4Eu8MRMkVrKfVb6tup2xzXmL_R0WACLcB/s1600/DSC_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jY74zgh-PZQ/WCOsxTsr0kI/AAAAAAAABxc/IDap4Eu8MRMkVrKfVb6tup2xzXmL_R0WACLcB/s320/DSC_1494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Needless to say, I still make quilts, I still love the look on someone's face when they open my masterpiece and I treasure that every day that person has a little bit of love made from me. I give them away for showers and special occassions but typically only to those who request them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhMQeoyUV_Y/WCOsxXTSAzI/AAAAAAAABxY/eZchPbHAkFwEl2gj6ZWL_hwYwiVfHthgACLcB/s1600/DSC_1495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhMQeoyUV_Y/WCOsxXTSAzI/AAAAAAAABxY/eZchPbHAkFwEl2gj6ZWL_hwYwiVfHthgACLcB/s400/DSC_1495.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>I recently made a set of twin quilts (pictures are peppered throughout this post) for a cousin whose best friend is having twins. We decided she would pay me for the cost of materials. Since it wasn't directly for her, my time is my gift to her. The quilts turned out beautifully and I hope she and her friend love them as much as I do.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxNc_gUM1n0/WCOslFbJJVI/AAAAAAAABw8/Y6hlFx30s2UujVed-8fq52-ml8D0IXPVgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxNc_gUM1n0/WCOslFbJJVI/AAAAAAAABw8/Y6hlFx30s2UujVed-8fq52-ml8D0IXPVgCLcB/s320/DSC_1477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here are some links I found interesting. I'm not saying making a profit is impossible, I'm just saying you might make MORE money doing LESS.<br /><br />Links:<br /><a href="http://www.mooreapproved.com/2015/02/quiltonomics-the-real-cost-of-quilts/" target="_blank">Moore Approved</a><br /><a href="http://www.littlebluebell.com/2011/09/600-baby-quilt.html" target="_blank">Little Blue Bell</a><br /><a href="http://so-sew-easy.com/selling-what-you-sew-how-to-price-your-work/" target="_blank">So Sew Easy</a>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-90380637911247703432016-07-11T23:22:00.000-04:002016-07-11T23:22:03.337-04:00If you are the One, that is all that matters!I've read article after article about last month's&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/15/us/alligator-attacks-child-disney-florida/" target="_blank">recent events</a>. I've held my kids tighter, kissed them more often and become more aware of everything around us. I like to think of myself as a rational human being, and a somewhat rational mother. However there are times, places and situations where my rationality is completely thrown out the window and fearful, stubborn, scared Mommy rears her timid head.<br /><br />This week I began thinking about statistics. My entire life, I loved math! I was in a math league in high school and competed against myself and others. I scored nearly perfect on every math and science regents in high school. In college, I tested out of my statistics finals and minored in economics. To say I enjoy math is an understatement. I spent years as a financial analyst for <a href="http://www.goldmansachs.com/?cid=PS_01_05_07_00_00_00_01&amp;mkwid=nCkKjyu8" target="_blank">Goldman Sachs</a>&nbsp;and I am now an accountant and one of the few people I've ever heard say they LOVE taxes, especially small businesses. There is just something about a perfectly balanced balance sheet and clean income statement that put a smile on my face.<br /><br />Where was I? Oh right, statistics.<br />I'm sure statistics are the reason I find no joy in playing the lottery, gambling at casinos or testing my luck at carnival games. I understand, statistically speaking, I have a very small chance of leaving with heavier pockets and I am perfectly fine taking my $20 and popping into the restaurant around the corner to enjoy a fabulous drink and burger. I'm not necessarily cheap or a saver by nature but I am aware of rate of returns, time value of money and enjoying your life as well as planning for the future.<br /><br />However, when it comes to being a Mom, my very core beliefs, all my statistical understanding, the basics which make up my moral fiber and knowledge seem to fly out the window. I suddenly become encapsulated by that One. One in ten, One in a hundred, One in a thousand, One in a million. Because I promise you, if you are the One, that is all that matters. Who cares if you were some statistic, some infinitesimal chance, the only thing that means anything is that your everything is shattered.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgLGtWufsZA/V4RaTJJjp9I/AAAAAAAABvg/-6s8XpmsdUYkXHvul0WRofCWoF2-E-i8wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgLGtWufsZA/V4RaTJJjp9I/AAAAAAAABvg/-6s8XpmsdUYkXHvul0WRofCWoF2-E-i8wCLcB/s400/IMG_2951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As time has passed I'm sure the vast majority of you forgot about the little child taken by an alligator in Florida, on a Disney vacation during what was supposed to be a very happy occasion. I can promise you, the family of the One... has not, and neither have I.<br /><br />I understand that family. I understand how something like that happened. I understand that their child was some freak accident, some One in something unlikely statistic. I realize that my vibrant little two year old, running and splashing in the water could have been that One. My timid five year old, getting a bucket of water could have been that One. My baby boy, sitting on the sand at the edge of the beach could have been that One and it is all I can do to not cry for that family every time I think of what happened.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_5uqgiqpjc/V4Rar-1bS1I/AAAAAAAABvs/99PQp391H9EzjquI1MFZB6SqGTXQmcwfACLcB/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_5uqgiqpjc/V4Rar-1bS1I/AAAAAAAABvs/99PQp391H9EzjquI1MFZB6SqGTXQmcwfACLcB/s400/IMG_2953.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Let's talk statistics:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.surfermag.com/features/what-are-the-odds/#qJcf4UMqDMzYKoeD.97" target="_blank">This article</a>&nbsp;is actually a very good read because it takes into consideration what I have been saying all along. Instead of giving you some general statistic considering the entire population, (i.e. One in 3,748,067 are your odds of being attacked by a shark) it instead analyzes people that actually are in the ocean (surfers) and calculates the likelihood of being attacked by a shark at One in 25,641 significantly more likely than the One in 79,746 of being struck by lightening. Now,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/isaf/what-are-odds/risks-comparison/alligator-attacks/" target="_blank">this article </a>analyzes shark attacks verse everything else and&nbsp;<a href="http://politicalcalculations.blogspot.com/2009/04/odds-of-dying-again.html#.V2Rv0vkrLcs" target="_blank">this article</a> will tell you your odds of dying from anything (I did not verify its credentials, but then again that's not really the point.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Be7B7evh7BA/V4Rad1jy-qI/AAAAAAAABvk/Dw8ktThEuVQws1GcZrORG-ANVFFIUszjwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Be7B7evh7BA/V4Rad1jy-qI/AAAAAAAABvk/Dw8ktThEuVQws1GcZrORG-ANVFFIUszjwCLcB/s400/IMG_2936.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>We are currently on vacation in Florida and I'm terrified of being the One in anything. Just last week, news about&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/22/health/avoiding-flesh-eating-bacteria/index.html" target="_blank">Vibrio vulnificus</a> hit the newsstands. Apparently our odds of contracting that lovely virus are somewhere around One in 2,906,250. For most people, odds never seem scary until they happen to you.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieqimcGg5tk/V4RaqX_pHtI/AAAAAAAABvo/TKtjfDI0eEI24K6LzHdejkHMvB0IRgqfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieqimcGg5tk/V4RaqX_pHtI/AAAAAAAABvo/TKtjfDI0eEI24K6LzHdejkHMvB0IRgqfQCLcB/s400/IMG_2952.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But what if they happen to you? What if your little baby was the One. I guess the same can be said of cancer, respiratory illnesses, car accidents, plane crashes... life. But I implore you today, consider yourself as the One, your child as the One, your parent, friend, or spouse. Somewhere find your sympathy for these families, appreciate those around you, hold your children longer and tighter, find your soft words, don't judge, don't lash out or look down. Tell those families you understand and tell them you're scared too.<br /><br />From my family to yours... I hope you never have to experience what being the One feels like, but if you do, know that I am here and I am probably still thinking of you too.Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-77905617685717891582016-05-17T19:42:00.000-04:002016-05-17T19:42:00.213-04:00A Sarah By Any Other Name Will Still Be A LaValley To Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you believe in soul mates? I do. I do to my very core. I don't however believe that you only have one and I don't believe there is ever any rhyme or reason as to who they are. Sometimes people walk into your life and just never walk out. I have one of those.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FXlRDLsxajA/UYH4mPunEFI/AAAAAAAAA-0/gjLkraBWt5E/s1600/047+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FXlRDLsxajA/UYH4mPunEFI/AAAAAAAAA-0/gjLkraBWt5E/s400/047+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This person always has the right words to say. That's not to say they don't sometimes say the wrong thing or the thing I don't&nbsp;want to hear but they always come out with the one thing no one else dared to mention and few had the courage to utter. This person, is 100%, my person.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwWNW4kJpuY/UYH4mwevErI/AAAAAAAAA-8/_JwTzMQYMGI/s1600/047+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwWNW4kJpuY/UYH4mwevErI/AAAAAAAAA-8/_JwTzMQYMGI/s400/047+004.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>And one day, in the middle of it all; my person found herself an additional person. I do adore him, he is special in so many ways and completes in her ways I never could. However, it is hard to share. My children remind me of this lesson at least twenty times a day and they are about as graceful as I am at the task.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTW_1HglgZc/UYH4nnwZw6I/AAAAAAAAA_E/LxVgmmjhObw/s1600/047+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTW_1HglgZc/UYH4nnwZw6I/AAAAAAAAA_E/LxVgmmjhObw/s400/047+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>If I am completely honest with myself, and you, I did grapple with a little bit of sadness at having to officially share my best friend and I may have struggled a little with the idea that she was changing her last name. I learned a while ago that although you may think a name is just a name, those letters have a way of defining who you are. Like it or not, those names tell others something about us, we associate ourselves with that title and when the meaning behind the name fades, sometimes the name has a way of oppressing us. It has a way of tethering us to something we want so desperately to leave behind.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ut6GNC13Q4/UYH4oiFmbAI/AAAAAAAAA_M/kNfFpKZ00bg/s1600/047+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ut6GNC13Q4/UYH4oiFmbAI/AAAAAAAAA_M/kNfFpKZ00bg/s400/047+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I cannot think of a better last name for my dearest to take and I suppose deep down I find some solace in the fact that someone chose her to be his Hartmans. But no matter how hard I try, a Sarah by any other name will always be a LaValley to me!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LvGVeIRF0lw/UYH4pfF_cDI/AAAAAAAAA_U/hn6CyrkGNkE/s1600/047+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LvGVeIRF0lw/UYH4pfF_cDI/AAAAAAAAA_U/hn6CyrkGNkE/s400/047+017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>So enough about that, we all knew from the moment he put that ring on her finger she was going to hope and pray every moment for the most beautiful quilt. Her request was Queen size for her bed, wrapped with lots of love and comfort. Everyone has a special place where they are most comfortable. For some it is the couch, others, at their parents, cuddled in a special blanket, sipping on a cup of tea, on top of a mountain, in the woods, in their kitchen. You name it, people get cozy in all kinds of weird. I have a favorite extra large comfy chair in my living room that I sit in to enjoy my coffee in the morning while I ponder my day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJcEhAiIWtw/UYH4qf4HJfI/AAAAAAAAA_c/0fUXLQbxv_I/s1600/047+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJcEhAiIWtw/UYH4qf4HJfI/AAAAAAAAA_c/0fUXLQbxv_I/s400/047+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>For my Sarah, there is nothing more comforting or special than her bed. When she's sad or lonely, in pain or riddled with anxiety, her bed, a tall glass of wine, Fav blanket and a sad romance movie does the trick. She will lay there, sobbing her eyes out, texting up a storm, heaving with sadness, asking me all of the questions that no one has the answers to and all the while she remains wrapped in the love I gave her as a wedding gift.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOmHq8oVPvI/UYH4rFfBVAI/AAAAAAAAA_k/QpEY3qHhnGk/s1600/047+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOmHq8oVPvI/UYH4rFfBVAI/AAAAAAAAA_k/QpEY3qHhnGk/s400/047+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This was my first time with this pattern (double hourglass) and although it did waste quite a bit, I was able to use the leftovers to make her pillows the following Christmas.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auTa33uV5_w/VzunX6s3CzI/AAAAAAAABvM/zDsMqcrby0oEKnVKAim6mKKPGFJnBGUcwCLcB/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2BJuly%2B2014%2B1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auTa33uV5_w/VzunX6s3CzI/AAAAAAAABvM/zDsMqcrby0oEKnVKAim6mKKPGFJnBGUcwCLcB/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2BJuly%2B2014%2B1256.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>&nbsp;They are quite adorable ( I am in love with the bird fabric I used on the back) and so is the little boy who loved them before we packaged them up to send them on their way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOnODuPrI4I/VzunXjWdsiI/AAAAAAAABvI/-6iD3aybyus-kQiHT5g-tiuUFVJMyp3hgCLcB/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2BJuly%2B2014%2B1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOnODuPrI4I/VzunXjWdsiI/AAAAAAAABvI/-6iD3aybyus-kQiHT5g-tiuUFVJMyp3hgCLcB/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2BJuly%2B2014%2B1260.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Just look at that smile!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTWloQ_wA58/VzunXTEPKbI/AAAAAAAABvE/GnQ46QcNjr00_qhAgCQI1KaBOOnxbLnFgCLcB/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2BJuly%2B2014%2B1265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTWloQ_wA58/VzunXTEPKbI/AAAAAAAABvE/GnQ46QcNjr00_qhAgCQI1KaBOOnxbLnFgCLcB/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2BJuly%2B2014%2B1265.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">She will always be my forever and I feel so blessed that she chose me to stand by her side on her wedding day and every day after.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HeW7xjgYtkA/UYH5V9ibfkI/AAAAAAAAA_s/ALAuq8pAi-E/s1600/045+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HeW7xjgYtkA/UYH5V9ibfkI/AAAAAAAAA_s/ALAuq8pAi-E/s400/045+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I love everything about her, but most of all I love her kindness, her compassion and her love. It is rare to find someone that looks at the world through your eyes, but I'm constantly surprised by how similar we feel and much I can relate to her. When I go to text her, she is usually texting me first. We can give eachother eyes from across the room and know exactly what is going through our minds. Our hearts hurt together, love together and grow together.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHlNH4Q2ZiQ/UYH6bO1L8dI/AAAAAAAABAE/2DvWH7JY5Vo/s1600/IMG_3082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHlNH4Q2ZiQ/UYH6bO1L8dI/AAAAAAAABAE/2DvWH7JY5Vo/s400/IMG_3082.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>No matter what comes our way, I know we will always be together because some people are just meant to be. "If you're a bird, I'm a bird!"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QM9B1xDXka8/UYH6bj8rKRI/AAAAAAAABAI/fghHyt9X0yg/s1600/IMG_3683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QM9B1xDXka8/UYH6bj8rKRI/AAAAAAAABAI/fghHyt9X0yg/s400/IMG_3683.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish you two a lifetime of happiness!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To Sarah and Dirck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I probably should add one photo of the lovely couple,&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">because at the end of the day I guess this was about them! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieXhcn19v68/Vzug8b7OFCI/AAAAAAAABu0/o8hFKfvMGhkVDf-RQhPNdPJ57fR6svd4wCLcB/s1600/sarah%2Band%2Bdirck%2Bkissing%2Bwedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieXhcn19v68/Vzug8b7OFCI/AAAAAAAABu0/o8hFKfvMGhkVDf-RQhPNdPJ57fR6svd4wCLcB/s400/sarah%2Band%2Bdirck%2Bkissing%2Bwedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-51594462368347715632016-02-09T23:01:00.000-05:002016-02-09T23:34:43.880-05:00How Many TimesI seriously do not know how many times I will take a break from this blog. It seems that every time I commit to working hard and keeping up my posts, life throws me something, I get busy and this gets dropped. So I will NOT commit to continuous posts, but I will commit to try.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8o4Fw8WGeM/VrqxWKircqI/AAAAAAAABsU/W3czPwSGEao/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8o4Fw8WGeM/VrqxWKircqI/AAAAAAAABsU/W3czPwSGEao/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B734.JPG" width="300"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;A lack of posts does not equate to a lack of quilting, we have had lots and lots of quilting, crafting, sewing, gardening and life happening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0ZfjnBepHY/VrqxixSDO8I/AAAAAAAABsY/O7Dob7VvCEk/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0ZfjnBepHY/VrqxixSDO8I/AAAAAAAABsY/O7Dob7VvCEk/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B1575.JPG" width="300"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;It has all been beautiful and fun and so busy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6x31H5tynwQ/Vrqxn1-JYiI/AAAAAAAABsc/1zeR17zgf2w/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6x31H5tynwQ/Vrqxn1-JYiI/AAAAAAAABsc/1zeR17zgf2w/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2947.JPG" width="300"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I just love making these amazing creations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SZhgNajZZE/VrqxyxlNXaI/AAAAAAAABsg/7tSvKN2i_wI/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SZhgNajZZE/VrqxyxlNXaI/AAAAAAAABsg/7tSvKN2i_wI/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B604.JPG" width="300"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I cannot wait to share the details with everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcuunDAwwro/VrqylIz0fhI/AAAAAAAABs4/WoFbhRhJX4c/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcuunDAwwro/VrqylIz0fhI/AAAAAAAABs4/WoFbhRhJX4c/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2510.JPG" width="300"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over the last few years we have had no shortage of events.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewlAPvYwrEQ/Vrqyk7tCW7I/AAAAAAAABsw/BxBARHq-1Hg/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewlAPvYwrEQ/Vrqyk7tCW7I/AAAAAAAABsw/BxBARHq-1Hg/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2620.JPG" width="300"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;My son Liam and daughter Madelyn recently welcomed the final addition to our family Landon Jon.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GPUJuo1wcpo/Vrq94uupV4I/AAAAAAAABuI/UTESmkcQETw/s640/blogger-image-188430554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GPUJuo1wcpo/Vrq94uupV4I/AAAAAAAABuI/UTESmkcQETw/s640/blogger-image-188430554.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9qBCQidMguU/VrqyjrgHrCI/AAAAAAAABss/3myUc4bAqm4/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9qBCQidMguU/VrqyjrgHrCI/AAAAAAAABss/3myUc4bAqm4/s320/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2779.JPG" width="320"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I swear she was happy about it, you just cannot tell from the picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khIuwumM46I/VrqykwlWfpI/AAAAAAAABs0/Vka9c5y4BPg/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khIuwumM46I/VrqykwlWfpI/AAAAAAAABs0/Vka9c5y4BPg/s320/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2794.JPG" width="320"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;We had girls days!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKnuVw98mgQ/Vrqyoe5zS1I/AAAAAAAABtI/Xv6mXFkET58/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKnuVw98mgQ/Vrqyoe5zS1I/AAAAAAAABtI/Xv6mXFkET58/s320/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2881.JPG" width="320"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;And I had my first go at a garden... it was an absolute success!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8u2zceKyivk/VrqyoGYYnMI/AAAAAAAABtE/ZilU-ieiJg8/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8u2zceKyivk/VrqyoGYYnMI/AAAAAAAABtE/ZilU-ieiJg8/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B2907.JPG" width="300"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I dabbled in pillow making...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KK9aKU7PBM/Vrqynw1WTvI/AAAAAAAABtA/FnpoWCy9R9c/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B3068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KK9aKU7PBM/Vrqynw1WTvI/AAAAAAAABtA/FnpoWCy9R9c/s320/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B3068.JPG" width="320"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;And my precious girl turned ONE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j58kr6LB-Pw/VrqypuzrtmI/AAAAAAAABtM/NjkpswgkAic/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j58kr6LB-Pw/VrqypuzrtmI/AAAAAAAABtM/NjkpswgkAic/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B3108.JPG" width="300"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Friends and family members got married, had babies and I tried to keep up with everyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7_PjPZtjko/Vrqyp3QFUhI/AAAAAAAABtQ/HJB0e0Xfycw/s1600/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B3410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7_PjPZtjko/Vrqyp3QFUhI/AAAAAAAABtQ/HJB0e0Xfycw/s400/Iphone%2BImport%2B2015-10-07%2B3410.JPG" width="300"></a></div>I transitioned to a stay-at-home-mom role and still dropped into work on occassion to have some adult conversations. It has been fun, exhausting and taught me so much more about the world. Being able to stay at home has encouraged me to be more open and has taught me a profound respect for other parents. Being a Mom is HARD work!<br><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for life is not a journey" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfVl7dJGibw6yPjek1yvI2l5CGMYFqy7mtueMPe0QTT6aKSwB9"></div><div style="text-align: center;">...and I would be wise to remember that!</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-9054796242441438042013-06-07T09:24:00.001-04:002013-06-07T10:01:05.109-04:00Finally!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been working on sewing these triangles together for quite some time now, somewhere in the neighborhood of two years... oops. Well, last night, I finally finished! I now need to count the blocks, measure them and attempt to figure out the size quilt I was going for. I honestly have no idea!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGbsRwZAMHU/UbHb7D4YSzI/AAAAAAAABFE/uU_zySWFODc/s1600/photo14.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGbsRwZAMHU/UbHb7D4YSzI/AAAAAAAABFE/uU_zySWFODc/s400/photo14.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I initially started designing the quilt with the following layout in mind but as I saw more and more quilts in blogland my mind started to wander. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYPdnMrGZbY/UbHb1X3Qw0I/AAAAAAAABE0/xEKwIxqNTNU/s1600/image13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYPdnMrGZbY/UbHb1X3Qw0I/AAAAAAAABE0/xEKwIxqNTNU/s400/image13.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This would be adorable:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CezaqbHd5Y/UbHbzYqQPAI/AAAAAAAABEs/tGBYyCALK9c/s1600/image12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CezaqbHd5Y/UbHbzYqQPAI/AAAAAAAABEs/tGBYyCALK9c/s400/image12.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this design is sooo pretty:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncnRWHRVirg/UbHb32Q4mYI/AAAAAAAABE8/j40UxHOljmE/s1600/image11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncnRWHRVirg/UbHb32Q4mYI/AAAAAAAABE8/j40UxHOljmE/s400/image11.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thoughts??? 1, 2 or 3?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2013/06/leftovers-quilt.html" target="_blank">Finish it up Friday</a> with <a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>!</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-14561610345199347852013-05-29T10:42:00.001-04:002013-05-29T10:45:24.634-04:00“I fall in love with any girl who smells of library paste.” -Charlie Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wordless Wednesday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDH1d_RuX1U/UaYTKetlEoI/AAAAAAAABDc/n62F_vY0NWc/s1600/Front+Numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDH1d_RuX1U/UaYTKetlEoI/AAAAAAAABDc/n62F_vY0NWc/s400/Front+Numbers.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKVFyO-CLAU/UaYTLpuAa5I/AAAAAAAABDk/l6XNrtr2ync/s1600/Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKVFyO-CLAU/UaYTLpuAa5I/AAAAAAAABDk/l6XNrtr2ync/s400/Back.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWpaSitAJSo/UaYTOtfNBMI/AAAAAAAABDs/S1RRKI4qooQ/s1600/Pile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWpaSitAJSo/UaYTOtfNBMI/AAAAAAAABDs/S1RRKI4qooQ/s400/Pile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opEUaVWas2M/UaYTPnj_hJI/AAAAAAAABD0/TAnPavudsYE/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opEUaVWas2M/UaYTPnj_hJI/AAAAAAAABD0/TAnPavudsYE/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-71840476127638195342013-05-20T15:11:00.004-04:002013-05-20T15:11:54.153-04:00Appreciating all of Life's Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Priorities! I feel as though the word "priorities" sums up my definition of life. There are always so many things to do and never enough time or energy to get them done. Friday morning brought with it a glimpse of clarity. Rarely do I purposefully wake during the 5 o'clock hour, never am I alert if I do, and to do so on my own without "reason" is so preposterous it doesn't warrant a mention. However... I awoke last Friday morning at 5:00 AM, fully charged, gloriously cheery and full of life. When you wake up to this, how could you not?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrlM7O5Wif8/UZpuFuDHKeI/AAAAAAAABC0/JrTFAzlm938/s1600/IMG_7185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrlM7O5Wif8/UZpuFuDHKeI/AAAAAAAABC0/JrTFAzlm938/s400/IMG_7185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I proceeded to the kitchen where I brewed myself the most charming Cup of Joe, I filled the mug to the brim with an exorbitant amount of Coffee Mate creamer and I practically skipped into the living room to watch the world wake up in my back yard.<br /><br />I found myself completely mesmerized by life. The sky is so gorgeous in the morning. It is magnificent, colorful, and pure. The birds begin their morning routines, they chirp and sing, fly around as if in dance and feed their babies. Although terrible for my house (I know), there is a mother bird who built a nest in my attic eaves through a hole in the wire netting that serves as a vent for my roof. Despite the damage the birds may have caused, I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to wake to that first thing every morning. To hear the babies chirp and watch the mother swoop in and out bringing them food, so precious and such a reminder of the beautiful things right outside my window.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdjT6Pqn0MA/UZpuH7qrfNI/AAAAAAAABC8/3eqNQYztqvg/s1600/IMG_7292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdjT6Pqn0MA/UZpuH7qrfNI/AAAAAAAABC8/3eqNQYztqvg/s400/IMG_7292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As I sat there that morning I was reminded of how special life is, how quickly it comes and goes and how simple it should be. Finding that moment every morning is my goal for this summer. Taking those few beautiful moments to think about my day, enjoy me, enjoy my backyard, enjoy being a mother yet also having some&nbsp;special quiet time alone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSN8UpnRuPw/UZpuJfCb4II/AAAAAAAABDE/a7tR_JBl1Jk/s1600/IMG_7293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSN8UpnRuPw/UZpuJfCb4II/AAAAAAAABDE/a7tR_JBl1Jk/s400/IMG_7293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I think we all need to be reminded sometimes to stop and enjoy the beauty around us, smell the lilacs, play with our children, teach them to pop the heads off dandelions,&nbsp;throw pine cones, weave blades of grass, sift sand, climb tree houses, swing, laugh, love.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OP7Tm5zKAh8/UZpuKg0Y2nI/AAAAAAAABDM/26K5NVK5jnQ/s1600/IMG_7294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OP7Tm5zKAh8/UZpuKg0Y2nI/AAAAAAAABDM/26K5NVK5jnQ/s400/IMG_7294.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Liam's favorite thing to do with Mom is to move rocks from our diminishing rock wall around the property. He likes to carefully select a rock, proclaim loudly how heavy it is and carry it to where we are working. He then takes all precautions to find the perfect spot to toss the rock. He helps me fill the space with mulch careful to make sure mom ends up with some in her hair and on her clothes. It may not be perfect but it's perfectly us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCk-0sYLW_A/UZpovgqbwAI/AAAAAAAABCM/IHVM_0ydcLo/s1600/IMG_7288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCk-0sYLW_A/UZpovgqbwAI/AAAAAAAABCM/IHVM_0ydcLo/s400/IMG_7288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This weekend I took the above old vegetable garden from the previous house owners, pulled out all of the grass and overgrown weeds. Put down some fresh soil and filled it with mums and other assorted flowers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ1D4cRowUU/UZpoxCW1eTI/AAAAAAAABCU/GI680bNfoxU/s1600/IMG_7289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ1D4cRowUU/UZpoxCW1eTI/AAAAAAAABCU/GI680bNfoxU/s400/IMG_7289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I am no gardener by any means but I think I created something that would make Grandma proud (my Grandmother is the historian for her chapter of the garden club, her gardens put my feeble attempt to shame). I finished with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6euSqf8O9sM/UZpoyRyY66I/AAAAAAAABCc/6S6iUi2rvyk/s1600/IMG_7290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6euSqf8O9sM/UZpoyRyY66I/AAAAAAAABCc/6S6iUi2rvyk/s400/IMG_7290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I even planted&nbsp;two adorable planters for the front porch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sffAOYJUg8/UZpozYfIuwI/AAAAAAAABCk/xUTaEGhE49Q/s1600/IMG_7291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sffAOYJUg8/UZpozYfIuwI/AAAAAAAABCk/xUTaEGhE49Q/s400/IMG_7291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I think too often we spend our entire lives waiting for the next step, the other shoe to fall, the door to close, the window to open, the man of our dreams, the perfect woman, the newest addition or the next big thing. We should instead constantly remind ourselves to live in the moment because in the words of today&nbsp;you only live once (YOLO)&nbsp;so make it now!Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-55163510622826789532013-05-17T09:34:00.001-04:002013-05-17T09:38:52.552-04:00To Chenille or not to Chenille... that is the Question?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is no type of quilt I adore more than one made out of flannel for a baby. They are so soft, cuddly, cozy and always the most used. For this quilt I used a chenille technique and was so happy I did because it makes the perfect texture for little ones to play with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-JhCrUmQOs/UYH3qu8WNsI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/OcUYsGd4BBE/s1600/DSCN6654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-JhCrUmQOs/UYH3qu8WNsI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/OcUYsGd4BBE/s400/DSCN6654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left">I was actually able to use a completely&nbsp;random placement of the various blocks (a first for me)! This quilt was for the baby's Grandmother to use at her house when the baby came to visit. It's always nice to have things at all of the various places that are familiar to children.﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Jhhobq0j6w/UYH3rqDuH_I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/vfbP05sa_YU/s1600/DSCN6655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Jhhobq0j6w/UYH3rqDuH_I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/vfbP05sa_YU/s400/DSCN6655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the back fabric says "I love Grandma" HOW ADORABLE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6JSxLIGEU7Q/UYH3sZAzsmI/AAAAAAAAA-g/sWORp_df_i0/s1600/DSCN6657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6JSxLIGEU7Q/UYH3sZAzsmI/AAAAAAAAA-g/sWORp_df_i0/s400/DSCN6657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are little&nbsp;turtles and hippo's on the other side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Luer6cQenk/UYH3tANAjwI/AAAAAAAAA-o/Gm2TSVfET2w/s1600/DSCN6661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Luer6cQenk/UYH3tANAjwI/AAAAAAAAA-o/Gm2TSVfET2w/s400/DSCN6661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The blocks were 6.5" x 6.5" and consisted of two flannel fabric pieces sandwiched around a piece of 6" x 6" batting. I quilted two lines diagonally across the block then sewed the blocks together with all of the seams on one side of the quilt so the baby had at least one non-chenilled side to lay on.<br /><br />Once the quilt was assembled I took the next few hours making snips&nbsp;in all of the seams. I sewed a line around the outside of the quilt and chenilled the outside as well. Lastly, I popped it in the washer and dryer gave it a quick cuddle (perhaps Liam loved it a little too) then I presented it to&nbsp;the baby's&nbsp;Grandma with love!<br /><br /><div align="center">Finish it up Friday with <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>!﻿</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-45443573834619603792013-05-10T09:29:00.003-04:002013-05-10T10:25:29.616-04:00Too hot to handle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am 100% completely in LOVE with these potholders! I made this first set for my long-time favorite friend and god mother of my baby for one of her Bridal Showers. The binding might be my favorite part!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCaXXCp4YL4/UYHdl2UmtLI/AAAAAAAAA5k/p64DUyvSsAs/s1600/DSCN6781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCaXXCp4YL4/UYHdl2UmtLI/AAAAAAAAA5k/p64DUyvSsAs/s400/DSCN6781.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The color theme stole my heart, I love these colors together. Her kitchen has gorgeous Red and Aqua accents and it is just sooooooo adorable, the potholders make a lovely addition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2B6M3htZekY/UYHdmeW-o2I/AAAAAAAAA5s/JRukXNrC48E/s1600/DSCN6789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2B6M3htZekY/UYHdmeW-o2I/AAAAAAAAA5s/JRukXNrC48E/s400/DSCN6789.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She was thrilled when she opened the present, but let's be honest, who wouldn't be?﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBfjCHRlH4U/UYHdlCRsyZI/AAAAAAAAA5c/QLfDSk_0lZU/s1600/DSCN6777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBfjCHRlH4U/UYHdlCRsyZI/AAAAAAAAA5c/QLfDSk_0lZU/s400/DSCN6777.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These ones&nbsp;I made for my step mother, she has a sunflower themed brand new kitchen and they fit so nicely with the rest of the decor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j93lcyqtCcE/UYHc7zBAAPI/AAAAAAAAA5E/oHmdho8OpLg/s1600/DSCN6504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j93lcyqtCcE/UYHc7zBAAPI/AAAAAAAAA5E/oHmdho8OpLg/s400/DSCN6504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">I seem to have a very hard time giving up potholders. I always want to keep them for myself, more so even than quilts. I think it is because I have a LOT of quilts and I have yet to make some adorable pot holders for myself.﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiEpRTLZlRQ/UYHc8_9tjgI/AAAAAAAAA5M/NvD1aGDrkRE/s1600/DSCN6507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiEpRTLZlRQ/UYHc8_9tjgI/AAAAAAAAA5M/NvD1aGDrkRE/s400/DSCN6507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used a pad of the Insul-Bright heat batting and surrounded it by two pieces of normal Warm and White batting to absorb moisture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkzXoLzSKTU/UYHc9cgf_iI/AAAAAAAAA5U/vFtBySwNWa8/s1600/DSCN6512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkzXoLzSKTU/UYHc9cgf_iI/AAAAAAAAA5U/vFtBySwNWa8/s400/DSCN6512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want some STAT!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finish it up Friday with <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2013/05/bohemian-garden-quilt.html" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>!</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-11344395467087628042013-05-08T09:12:00.000-04:002013-05-08T15:01:05.959-04:00For the love of Purses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wordless Wednesday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fop3ZURoulA/UYHeubTI-VI/AAAAAAAAA54/7AlDU3Hn8gI/s1600/44+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fop3ZURoulA/UYHeubTI-VI/AAAAAAAAA54/7AlDU3Hn8gI/s400/44+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jidr3kpLWc4/UYHevR3HJ5I/AAAAAAAAA6A/PkxNS1QC9CU/s1600/44+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jidr3kpLWc4/UYHevR3HJ5I/AAAAAAAAA6A/PkxNS1QC9CU/s400/44+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5f5SG6XfiEk/UYHfPgofVQI/AAAAAAAAA6I/_9strH0tSFM/s1600/DSCN6357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5f5SG6XfiEk/UYHfPgofVQI/AAAAAAAAA6I/_9strH0tSFM/s400/DSCN6357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jbt-a-T66A/UYHfQQmsKMI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/XlQ9y7riuUM/s1600/DSCN6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jbt-a-T66A/UYHfQQmsKMI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/XlQ9y7riuUM/s400/DSCN6363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-21157215645326650542013-05-03T09:03:00.000-04:002013-05-10T09:36:45.425-04:00"The most important things in life aren't things." -Anthony J. D'Angelo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last summer, I was asked by a very good friend and co-worker for a quilt request she could barely put into words. I was relatively unfamiliar with the details of her situation but after speaking with her it was a double quilt request I wouldn't think to refuse.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When my friend was younger, much younger, her boyfriend and her had been involved in a fatal car accident. Her boyfriend did not make it and she was left to carry the emotional scars of that day for the rest of her life. As she picked up the pieces, she saved a few (particularly his clothing) as a final reminder of his life and the relationship that had once been so real and tangible.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RO751hwK0S4/UYHzM3UYcYI/AAAAAAAAA7o/NHkbE6gRxO4/s1600/IMG_3409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RO751hwK0S4/UYHzM3UYcYI/AAAAAAAAA7o/NHkbE6gRxO4/s400/IMG_3409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Old clothing holds special value. Clothing has been worn, it holds memories. Clothing has captured smells, it contains reminiscing scents. Clothing has a style, it can tell a story as vague as a stain to the passerby or as deep as a relationship to the well-trained eye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I always cringe when asked to create quilts from old clothing. As&nbsp;some are aware, clothing stretches and shrinks, warps and moves, it bleeds, puckers and never matches up. It is textured, silky, slippery, holey, stained and used. Old clothing is worn and in&nbsp;being so is the most beautiful, precious and sensitive fabric on the face of this planet and this situation was no different.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2skjLx9rtY/UYHzL2ivWSI/AAAAAAAAA7g/XnkIHMzYS7I/s1600/045+330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2skjLx9rtY/UYHzL2ivWSI/AAAAAAAAA7g/XnkIHMzYS7I/s400/045+330.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend had kept a box of his old clothing tucked away for safe keeping, awaiting a time when opening it would once again flood the mind with memories and flood the senses with a slightly bitter pleasure of past love and loss.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You see, the man that once wore those clothes had a sister, and she was now pregnant. She was pregnant with not one but two beautiful babies and her baby shower was fast approaching. The task at hand was to create two quilts from his clothing in a months time for the showering of well-wishes on the expectant mother. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jVd5Anxsm0/UYHzKZvAjtI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/5S8-aJoRGt0/s1600/045+323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jVd5Anxsm0/UYHzKZvAjtI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/5S8-aJoRGt0/s400/045+323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stipulations included: </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. The quilts need to be classy, pretty, baby-like without being overly so.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. The quilts should match but one was for a boy and&nbsp;the other a&nbsp;girl. This needed to be done&nbsp;without using classic baby fabrics of pink and blue.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. The quilts should not be glaringly obvious of containing clothing, the use of clothing should be subtle enough to be tasteful but&nbsp;obvious enough to provide meaning.&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fib8v2h9yd4/UYHzFZOSbDI/AAAAAAAAA6g/1OzJzOuPs5o/s1600/045+296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fib8v2h9yd4/UYHzFZOSbDI/AAAAAAAAA6g/1OzJzOuPs5o/s400/045+296.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I dug amongst the array of old worn T-shirts, jeans and flannels I was completely overwhelmed. How do you capture all of those feelings in a quilt? How do you pick and choose, which ones should I use? What shirt meant the most or pair of slacks held those sleepless nights. As I started to plan out my design I began to see the symbolism forming throughout the quilt. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2Ry3Th8sio/UYHzH1twr3I/AAAAAAAAA64/MHBOiKXOgeA/s1600/045+309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2Ry3Th8sio/UYHzH1twr3I/AAAAAAAAA64/MHBOiKXOgeA/s400/045+309.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started with the center. I used a&nbsp;well worn and loved navy t-shirt to sew into the center of every block on both quilts reminding them that love will always be there, in the middle of everything, to give you peace. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3jE6LBYueE/UYHzGWkbINI/AAAAAAAAA6o/B5JSKCO5SEQ/s1600/045+298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3jE6LBYueE/UYHzGWkbINI/AAAAAAAAA6o/B5JSKCO5SEQ/s400/045+298.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I wrapped all the center blocks with new fabric, fresh fabric, fabric representing new life, opportunities and birth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3jE6LBYueE/UYHzGWkbINI/AAAAAAAAA6o/B5JSKCO5SEQ/s1600/045+298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5F-qGC43KH8/UYHzJOECo3I/AAAAAAAAA7A/80rlqV0-Iyo/s1600/045+314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5F-qGC43KH8/UYHzJOECo3I/AAAAAAAAA7A/80rlqV0-Iyo/s400/045+314.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although the pictures make this hard to see, I next used a white t-shirt to attach the blocks to one another. All of the vertical strips on both quilts were made from the same white t-shirt. The vertical strips surround the new fabric linking them to each other and bonding them for life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42-7hsGRNk4/UYHzLRbayRI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/IMJ3YssMdvo/s1600/045+328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42-7hsGRNk4/UYHzLRbayRI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/IMJ3YssMdvo/s400/045+328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the back of both quilts I used strips of his old jeans, laid horizontally to be the foundation for them to grow on, love on, live from. And on the front, in adjacent corners, I put his initials, a tribute from my friend to hers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yih55v-VnEU/UYHzJmnGEpI/AAAAAAAAA7I/RwD6SurKzN8/s1600/045+319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yih55v-VnEU/UYHzJmnGEpI/AAAAAAAAA7I/RwD6SurKzN8/s400/045+319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These quilts were made with love, tears, patience, determination and in haste but they were made! I love them both and I am so thankful to have been chosen to be a part of such a beautiful gift.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will leave you with a quote from Pericles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VC1IfgMYSQ4/UYHzHJ3AG8I/AAAAAAAAA6w/mWnfu7YDUMU/s1600/045+299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VC1IfgMYSQ4/UYHzHJ3AG8I/AAAAAAAAA6w/mWnfu7YDUMU/s400/045+299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Be that which leaves you feeling satisfied with the marks you leave on this world and those around you. Spend not one day living in regret, and be constantly thankful for all of life's blessings because they are sometimes&nbsp;so quick to disappear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out Finish it up Friday with <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2013/05/pams-quilt.html" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>!</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-38742826920378510122013-05-01T15:09:00.002-04:002013-05-08T15:00:27.139-04:00My Baby Boy and his Mommy<div style="text-align: center;">Wordless Wednesday!<br />Photos by Meredith Austin of <a href="http://meredithaustin.smugmug.com/" target="_blank">Elm Circle Photography</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPG4srQEzbk/UYFn7v3KMVI/AAAAAAAAA38/Qiro7ph-RrM/s1600/Wrapped+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPG4srQEzbk/UYFn7v3KMVI/AAAAAAAAA38/Qiro7ph-RrM/s400/Wrapped+Up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvkjZpsIOyE/UYFn88YNNlI/AAAAAAAAA4E/G2kUw45a5to/s1600/Puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvkjZpsIOyE/UYFn88YNNlI/AAAAAAAAA4E/G2kUw45a5to/s400/Puppy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-caI345R5-YM/UYFn_enT7gI/AAAAAAAAA4M/_37Ndra8q2w/s1600/3+Monthss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-caI345R5-YM/UYFn_enT7gI/AAAAAAAAA4M/_37Ndra8q2w/s400/3+Monthss.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r16qJSZOglg/UYFoAMj-hMI/AAAAAAAAA4U/02GSwkWV6bM/s1600/6+Months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r16qJSZOglg/UYFoAMj-hMI/AAAAAAAAA4U/02GSwkWV6bM/s400/6+Months.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi4bl0YugY8/UYFoBWlWY4I/AAAAAAAAA4c/UHzJH7JCx7E/s1600/12+Months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi4bl0YugY8/UYFoBWlWY4I/AAAAAAAAA4c/UHzJH7JCx7E/s400/12+Months.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioVJvIcoehw/UYFoDLbb3dI/AAAAAAAAA4o/cGCdfsvOeT4/s1600/Liam+&amp;+Mommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioVJvIcoehw/UYFoDLbb3dI/AAAAAAAAA4o/cGCdfsvOeT4/s400/Liam+&amp;+Mommy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oQG4jWV6c0/UYFoDNWMs_I/AAAAAAAAA4k/9yyWc8sDSAg/s1600/18+Monthss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oQG4jWV6c0/UYFoDNWMs_I/AAAAAAAAA4k/9yyWc8sDSAg/s400/18+Monthss.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v578L1X552w/UYFoDx_V9DI/AAAAAAAAA40/YVDO2tpeUB0/s1600/18+Months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v578L1X552w/UYFoDx_V9DI/AAAAAAAAA40/YVDO2tpeUB0/s400/18+Months.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-50309651665167581432013-04-26T12:21:00.000-04:002013-04-26T12:21:12.776-04:00I could give you 1,000 excuses... or just 18!For those of you who don't know; I am an accountant, and a very busy one at that!&nbsp;April 15th&nbsp;was a very important day for me, my friends and my family. April 15th marks the end of tax season and this year I was all too happy to let it go. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYixnee2tWA/UXqoU0rClLI/AAAAAAAAA3U/kwrQJzth0l4/s1600/Happy+Easter+Liam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lwa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYixnee2tWA/UXqoU0rClLI/AAAAAAAAA3U/kwrQJzth0l4/s320/Happy+Easter+Liam.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As I came in to work this morning I had an over-whelming desire to log-on to blogspot and check on my blog. It has been a while... a long while. I remember logging-on last year only to feel not ready. I wasn't ready to return to quilting, blogging, crafting, loving this space as I once did. I tried, but I just couldn't find the will to commit. I can spend my time layering on the guilt, reminding myself to be productive, ensuring that if I push on eventually things will get easier. The truth is, nothing will be what it once was ever again, you see, that is the tricky part of finally moving on. You have to accept that what once was, is no more, and what is coming is not better or worse, but different. You cannot embrace the "different" until you are ready and you can not be ready any time you want.<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There will come a day, mine was last week; when you realize you're ready. A phrase&nbsp;my best friend and I have come to depend on... "Go ahead and cry today, cry, breathe and wipe your tears, because tomorrow, tomorrow we fight!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7l8YSKjmLg/UXqoWjhAZVI/AAAAAAAAA3c/9jUKNg_J-ec/s1600/Easter'd+Eggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lwa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7l8YSKjmLg/UXqoWjhAZVI/AAAAAAAAA3c/9jUKNg_J-ec/s320/Easter'd+Eggs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So here are my excuses:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2010, I got pregnant.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2. &nbsp; In 2010, my husband decided he wanted a divorce.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2010, my best friend got engaged.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2010, I got a new job.</div>5.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2011, I spent some time being sad.<br />6.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2011, I struggled through tax season.<br />7.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2011, I had a baby boy.<br />8.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2011, some of my best friends got married.<br />9.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2011, I got another new job.<br />10. In 2011, I learned to be a mommy.<br />11.&nbsp;In 2012, I struggled through another tax season.<br />12. In 2012, I bought a house.<br />13. In 2012, I did some dating.<br />14. In 2012, I spent some more time being sad.<br />15. In 2012, two of my best friends got married.<br />16. In 2013, I did some more dating.<br />17. In 2013, I struggled through yet another tax season.<br />18. In 2013, I realized&nbsp;that everything didn't happen to me, it just happened. <br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It wasn't supposed to happen, it wasn't easy and it wasn't going away. I tell you all of this because I HATE when people try to rush you to move on, moving on isn't easy. No one can possibly understand what you are going through or where you have been. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My journey has taken me 2 years, 5 months and 13 days. It hasn't been easy, but it hasn't always been hard either. The point is, I'm ready to let it go, I'm ready to move forward, and I'm ready let the chains that have been keeping me at bay... go. I could give you 1,000 reasons why I haven't been myself over these last few years but I'm only going to give you one - because I wasn't ready.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIq-Bf8ARmk/UXqoYv3-_QI/AAAAAAAAA3k/2yo42igcJ2Y/s1600/Easter+Wreath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIq-Bf8ARmk/UXqoYv3-_QI/AAAAAAAAA3k/2yo42igcJ2Y/s320/Easter+Wreath.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm going to try and pick this blog back up and save it from the depths of the internet blog-o-sphere. I am going to try and find hapiness in the little things, I am going to try and be understanding, sweet and forgiving, but most of all, I'm going to try to be myself, because&nbsp;I'm quite positive no one else can do it quite like I can!</div><br />So much love... Kimberly!Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-76512762990252683522012-01-05T14:50:00.000-05:002012-01-05T14:53:23.563-05:00Seriously Kimberly, the holidays are over!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">I know, I know, the holidays are over and I need to get back to this blogging business. It is safe to say I took a small quilting / blogging hiatus; and it felt GREAT!&nbsp;I completely overloaded and overwhelmed myself this holiday season! Like usual, my crafting list was far larger than necessary and completely took over every ounce of free time I had.&nbsp;I spent many a night up until 3:00 am just trying to finish one of the many projects occupying my work space. I finished 4 bags (like those shown below), two purses (a lot like <a href="http://www.misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2010/10/happy-halloween.html">this one</a>), a pillow (first talked about <a href="http://www.misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2011/11/black-friday-blue-skies-and-red-wine.html">here</a>), 10 potholders (with this <a href="http://www.misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2011/11/black-friday-blue-skies-and-red-wine.html">fabric</a>), and a Puppy (quilt) for Mr. Matthew.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okp3dreveJY/TwX3HSFGk6I/AAAAAAAAA2w/VosZBDfSOIM/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okp3dreveJY/TwX3HSFGk6I/AAAAAAAAA2w/VosZBDfSOIM/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">(Liam is getting big! The little man celebrated 6 months on December 22nd!)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">I managed to get some sort of photo before everything was shipped off, but it was always rushed and the lighting wasn't the best. I will try and post about each of these projects a little over the next week or two. In addition, this lucky girl won the giveaway on <a href="http://craftmylifeaway.blogspot.com/">Lauren's blog</a> (mentioned <a href="http://www.misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2011/11/thursday-quilting-day.html">here</a>) and received a new sewing machine from Santa (aka my Dad and Stepmother). I now need to get it out of the box and make sure it actually works and wasn't damaged in shipping. Come on Kimberly, get your butt in gear.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZUFgl0Ji1Q/TwX3UwPamsI/AAAAAAAAA28/mjTbYue3Wx4/s400/photo.JPG" width="297" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">(This is officially Liam's favorite Christmas gift from Santa, a singing rocking horse! Although his Johnny Jump Up comes in a close second!)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Speaking of butts, I'm hoping to be shrinking mine this year! ;) I know, I know, not a weight loss New Year's Resolution...&nbsp;I'm sorry to tell you, but that's exactly what I'm talking about. This year I feel as though I'm not completely setting myself up for failure. My mother and I are tackling it together, we're taking it day by day, and I just posted about it on my blog so there's no turning back now!!! I will keep you updated as the mood strikes.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Now back to quilting!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">This first bag is one I made one of my very good friend's daughter, Leah! I made her&nbsp;<a href="http://www.misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2010/10/party-dress.html">this quilt</a> for her <a href="http://www.misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2010/10/can-i-get-another-word-please.html">Mommy's baby shower</a> way back when before she was born and now this little darling has gone and turned ONE on us (December 8th)! I used <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com/2011/10/lined-drawstring-bag-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> for the bags and it was so simple, I ended up making four of them for the Christmas season. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0GJysZP_yk/TwX5I34Q-BI/AAAAAAAAA3I/lWavtkmRwqY/s1600/393691_583853680597_21600643_31949825_403778385_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0GJysZP_yk/TwX5I34Q-BI/AAAAAAAAA3I/lWavtkmRwqY/s400/393691_583853680597_21600643_31949825_403778385_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the little Peanut... she is getting so big!!! I love you Leah!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So as noted, pretty in pink:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMARcpWZkEo/TuuXDWtF3bI/AAAAAAAAA18/qusgjxj-uuQ/s1600/43+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMARcpWZkEo/TuuXDWtF3bI/AAAAAAAAA18/qusgjxj-uuQ/s400/43+051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't it just adorable? I love this honeycomb pattern!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67kIQiaWCrc/TuuXU9tq7qI/AAAAAAAAA2E/y68CePKTknQ/s1600/43+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67kIQiaWCrc/TuuXU9tq7qI/AAAAAAAAA2E/y68CePKTknQ/s400/43+059.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And this next bag I made for one of my Aunt's Granddaughters for Christmas. There is nothing more fun than pink fabric!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC_a3rBxWqQ/TuuXq-gIVPI/AAAAAAAAA2U/wXWISsG-L8Y/s1600/43+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC_a3rBxWqQ/TuuXq-gIVPI/AAAAAAAAA2U/wXWISsG-L8Y/s400/43+087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajXLBVgtU1Q/TuuX1RHJZoI/AAAAAAAAA2c/t7Vh6pXBCMc/s1600/43+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajXLBVgtU1Q/TuuX1RHJZoI/AAAAAAAAA2c/t7Vh6pXBCMc/s400/43+090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyoWai4PdL0/TuuX-wF1TFI/AAAAAAAAA2k/jN5Y-8ct7HM/s1600/43+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyoWai4PdL0/TuuX-wF1TFI/AAAAAAAAA2k/jN5Y-8ct7HM/s400/43+093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you're looking for a fun easy pattern that takes just minutes to make, I would highly recommend <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com/2011/10/lined-drawstring-bag-tutorial.html">this one</a>! The pattern is flawless and the finished product, adorable!</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for visiting everyone, I hope your holidays were fabulous and fun too!﻿</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-71883832719294023852011-12-09T08:35:00.000-05:002011-12-09T09:05:56.341-05:00Tree Skirts a PlentyThere is nothing that can put me&nbsp;more into the holiday quilting spirit than quilting multiple Christmas tree skirts... which is exactly what I did. Back in early October, I joined a <a href="http://misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2011/11/thursday-quilting-day.html">quilting class </a>being held after work on Thursday evenings. The task at hand, <a href="http://misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2011/10/speaking-of-being-back-im-also-back-to.html">Forever Green Christmas Tree Skirts</a>! I will start by saying that almost everyone in the class, excluding myself and the "teacher",&nbsp;was a beginner quilter. Some had never touched a sewing machine, thread a bobbin, ironed a seam or heard of a scant quarter inch... that didn't stop the fun!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27KFIsnQ8Yk/TuIMqomAaEI/AAAAAAAAAzk/FPBExRMBHZ8/s1600/43+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27KFIsnQ8Yk/TuIMqomAaEI/AAAAAAAAAzk/FPBExRMBHZ8/s400/43+040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This was quite an advanced project for such quilting newbies, but aside from the under-the-breath muttering, deep sighs, seam ripping, redoing, and numerous expletives, they really did&nbsp;tackle it like champs! I will start by noting that this is the most difficult thing I've ever made by a long shot, which may lead you to two conclusions: A. this was difficult and B.&nbsp;I'm apparently not one to step out of my comfort zone!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4m7Lt_e-GA/TuIMyeaFGfI/AAAAAAAAAzs/mG4w5PZf42c/s1600/43+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4m7Lt_e-GA/TuIMyeaFGfI/AAAAAAAAAzs/mG4w5PZf42c/s400/43+080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This tree skirt had multiple triangles (not my strength), A LOT of tedious paper-piecing (a first for me), some complex assembly (lots of little corners to match up), prairie points (quite difficult on the inside corners) and some pretty intense hand stitching along the back in order to bind the quilt. Despite the many hurdles and late nights, most of the skirts are mostly complete with the exception of a few (but honestly, as time-consuming as this project was, who could blame them?)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJV95XfQL-4/TuIM3V-1ZQI/AAAAAAAAAz0/K5AL-GnX4DA/s1600/43+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJV95XfQL-4/TuIM3V-1ZQI/AAAAAAAAAz0/K5AL-GnX4DA/s400/43+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After the majority of the quilt was completed I began to help everyone with the second half of quilting, the most laborious part. I assisted in the assembly, cut, ironed and sewed on many a prairie point, basted to my back's discontent, and quilted every last one of them! There were 9 ladies participating in this quilting event and in the last week or two I have quilted 7 tree skirts, talk about an all time high&nbsp;for my poor Kenmore (also note the lack of finished projects in the last two weeks, this would be the culprit!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UraQF9-zQiI/TuINA9PMebI/AAAAAAAAA0E/IX8u8Nse2x0/s1600/41+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UraQF9-zQiI/TuINA9PMebI/AAAAAAAAA0E/IX8u8Nse2x0/s400/41+028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>So although I do not have pictures of all of them, and of the pictures I do have most of them are in a slightly uncompleted stage, I still wanted to share these beauties with you! At the end of the day, I am very proud of every single one of these ladies and their momentous accomplishment. They each deserve a pat on the back; this was not an easy task.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Simone's:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GD3FmMyhHrg/TuINNUTYWDI/AAAAAAAAA0M/wRpgMSvGV-8/s1600/43+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GD3FmMyhHrg/TuINNUTYWDI/AAAAAAAAA0M/wRpgMSvGV-8/s400/43+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0I4rar56fc/TuINPYa-pDI/AAAAAAAAA0U/ci4xaSKyBew/s1600/43+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0I4rar56fc/TuINPYa-pDI/AAAAAAAAA0U/ci4xaSKyBew/s400/43+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Laura's:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf9eBpkyhnA/TuINfRK6UaI/AAAAAAAAA0c/16lpxDja0Vs/s1600/43+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf9eBpkyhnA/TuINfRK6UaI/AAAAAAAAA0c/16lpxDja0Vs/s400/43+021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFmOs29QtAc/TuINhtWwa5I/AAAAAAAAA0k/A_RtCBKxrVs/s1600/43+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFmOs29QtAc/TuINhtWwa5I/AAAAAAAAA0k/A_RtCBKxrVs/s400/43+022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sherry's:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1yqzmlXjuM/TuINvuoKcAI/AAAAAAAAA0s/qP6sFu62ScY/s1600/43+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1yqzmlXjuM/TuINvuoKcAI/AAAAAAAAA0s/qP6sFu62ScY/s400/43+031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpQdGtjILUY/TuINx_IVKKI/AAAAAAAAA00/gfPXU1PkH4k/s1600/43+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpQdGtjILUY/TuINx_IVKKI/AAAAAAAAA00/gfPXU1PkH4k/s400/43+032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nancy's:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlH18tBI75Y/TuIN6pu9mrI/AAAAAAAAA08/VYtT_xG_Efw/s1600/43+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlH18tBI75Y/TuIN6pu9mrI/AAAAAAAAA08/VYtT_xG_Efw/s400/43+061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geENqBdmdl4/TuIN8xgvRWI/AAAAAAAAA1E/leamI79wIIs/s1600/43+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geENqBdmdl4/TuIN8xgvRWI/AAAAAAAAA1E/leamI79wIIs/s400/43+066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sara's (note this quilt was quilted with a red, green and gold variegated thread):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-nh71KIeMw/TuIOFFEICRI/AAAAAAAAA1M/4vO87k5vSYI/s1600/43+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-nh71KIeMw/TuIOFFEICRI/AAAAAAAAA1M/4vO87k5vSYI/s400/43+072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8PhE7mYe2I/TuIOG4Pj5vI/AAAAAAAAA1U/iql63XYn9to/s1600/43+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8PhE7mYe2I/TuIOG4Pj5vI/AAAAAAAAA1U/iql63XYn9to/s400/43+078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joan's (my mother):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wXM4-_suH4/TuIOOvbVeKI/AAAAAAAAA1c/q9QckbkLVYA/s1600/41+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wXM4-_suH4/TuIOOvbVeKI/AAAAAAAAA1c/q9QckbkLVYA/s400/41+041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rM9KKb9okGA/TuIOQp6nwnI/AAAAAAAAA1k/8vUSGtw8z5U/s1600/41+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rM9KKb9okGA/TuIOQp6nwnI/AAAAAAAAA1k/8vUSGtw8z5U/s400/41+043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and Mine:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOZj26p1kvQ/TuIOfJ4ADRI/AAAAAAAAA1s/8vzIsWDcGww/s1600/43+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOZj26p1kvQ/TuIOfJ4ADRI/AAAAAAAAA1s/8vzIsWDcGww/s400/43+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-w-Zf-O_nY/TuIOhGWyF0I/AAAAAAAAA10/uG6_jGRhAiE/s1600/43+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-w-Zf-O_nY/TuIOhGWyF0I/AAAAAAAAA10/uG6_jGRhAiE/s400/43+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Each Tree Skirt turned out&nbsp;very unique and diverse despite the uniform pattern that was used. Fabric selection gave each quilt a slightly different edge and a beautiful,&nbsp;distinctive finished creation!<br /><br /><strong>Note to Readers</strong>: None of these tree skirts are being used as tree skirts! At the end of the day, no one could face cutting through them and creating a slice down the center&nbsp;and a large hole in the middle of their magnificent work of art! But don't&nbsp;worry, I think they make perfectly lovely Table Toppers!Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-93020467873397592011-12-07T12:01:00.000-05:002011-12-12T14:08:38.844-05:00Celebration of Life<div style="text-align: justify;">Today we lost someone very special at work. Someone funny, and cheery, and wise. Someone who was very special to a lot of very special people. Death is never easy, sometimes overwhelming, always inevitable and often unexpected. Shirley was one of the rocks that held our foundation together. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyEqZwTJzho/Tt-VWk7-O3I/AAAAAAAAAy8/IJ_zdrHmGXc/s1600/Shirley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyEqZwTJzho/Tt-VWk7-O3I/AAAAAAAAAy8/IJ_zdrHmGXc/s320/Shirley.JPG" width="231" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She came in every morning at the same time, said her hello's, set to work and if you were lucky gave you some tidbits on her adorable cat Callie (and boy did she love that cat)!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIK4K8_S7dk/Tt-XN7xtGDI/AAAAAAAAAzE/G_tgofAb9HE/s1600/Cali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIK4K8_S7dk/Tt-XN7xtGDI/AAAAAAAAAzE/G_tgofAb9HE/s320/Cali.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She told me stories of her youth (she apparently had a knack for undermining her mother), and always joked with me about my curly hair (which like her, I despise). She said in her old age her tight curls had all but disappeared as she joked, "And I don't miss them one bit!"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So as I sit here on lunch, mulling over the empty office beside me, I am again reminded of just how special every moment is, how incredibly sacred my seconds with those I love should be, and how truly blessed I am. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OscUotThIvs/Tt-YzhYY7BI/AAAAAAAAAzc/0pSxZ0hcSKE/s1600/Liam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OscUotThIvs/Tt-YzhYY7BI/AAAAAAAAAzc/0pSxZ0hcSKE/s320/Liam.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Always take the time to tell those you love, that you love them, reach out every chance you get and be thankful... I know I am!</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-41080689695799493012011-12-02T07:45:00.000-05:002011-12-02T07:45:01.502-05:00Big Boy Chair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Matthew graduated from the highchair long ago, but as is tradition in our family, he has been sitting in an elevated chair ever since with a computer chair mat underneath his seat to collect the bits and pieces that don't make it into his mouth. This happens to be Pepe's (my cat) favorite spot to&nbsp;lick up a light&nbsp;snack after mealtime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Since Matthew is now in Kindergarten and is getting a little too big for his special chair, it only seemed right that he move on to bigger and better things. The problem however, is that he still doesn't have the best aim when it comes to food, and like many five year-olds still uses whatever is handy as his napkin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So per request, (I cannot stress enough how much I love these) I was asked to make a special cover for Matthew's new chair, to perhaps mask some of the mess that is likely to accompany him in his big chair journey.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mXUumHXS9k/TtRfxjZgBeI/AAAAAAAAAxU/jGNdt4GA5iA/s1600/41+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mXUumHXS9k/TtRfxjZgBeI/AAAAAAAAAxU/jGNdt4GA5iA/s400/41+055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Using a towel that we purchased at Walmart, I crafted a cover that matched the decor of the room. I used a total of 4 seams so that it just slips over the top and bottom of the chair and provides the perfect drop cloth during those&nbsp;times when life gets a little messy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opXilvAOjBg/TtRfnsId0oI/AAAAAAAAAxE/UcOweEMSgK4/s1600/41+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opXilvAOjBg/TtRfnsId0oI/AAAAAAAAAxE/UcOweEMSgK4/s320/41+053.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">The more we looked at the cover, the more we debated covering all of the chairs, beige really is a hard color to keep clean and this was such an easy project!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfazWNbAWMc/TtRfsgNljVI/AAAAAAAAAxM/ximqVJxJy3g/s1600/41+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfazWNbAWMc/TtRfsgNljVI/AAAAAAAAAxM/ximqVJxJy3g/s400/41+054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This also happens to be Pepe's new favorite chair to lay in during the day, must be something about the dark color and her white fur; she wants to make sure you can tell where she's been!</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-90480069096375430392011-11-30T07:45:00.000-05:002011-11-30T07:45:00.853-05:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSuiUiyA5Do/TtWeypSMKxI/AAAAAAAAAxk/4ND_KxH0uPU/s1600/Quilt+10-18-11+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSuiUiyA5Do/TtWeypSMKxI/AAAAAAAAAxk/4ND_KxH0uPU/s400/Quilt+10-18-11+074.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSnkzxqWGx8/TtWfChNOPQI/AAAAAAAAAxs/xlayNb_0Vyk/s1600/007+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSnkzxqWGx8/TtWfChNOPQI/AAAAAAAAAxs/xlayNb_0Vyk/s400/007+074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilfGT_M7DsE/TtWfWnM0fmI/AAAAAAAAAx0/Mz6xEFueG5I/s1600/139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilfGT_M7DsE/TtWfWnM0fmI/AAAAAAAAAx0/Mz6xEFueG5I/s400/139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUegV4YnAiM/TtWfgUaE9lI/AAAAAAAAAx8/iOmhuMsgS0Y/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUegV4YnAiM/TtWfgUaE9lI/AAAAAAAAAx8/iOmhuMsgS0Y/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NfKuDq1CUvY/TtWfnYGMIaI/AAAAAAAAAyE/PcGthzytl2g/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NfKuDq1CUvY/TtWfnYGMIaI/AAAAAAAAAyE/PcGthzytl2g/s400/060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGpJrDc4iH8/TtWfw5cI3eI/AAAAAAAAAyM/hwCP_6fbJCA/s1600/125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGpJrDc4iH8/TtWfw5cI3eI/AAAAAAAAAyM/hwCP_6fbJCA/s400/125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk6B0s5YD7U/TtWf9TZwT8I/AAAAAAAAAyU/ydSPueb2jsM/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk6B0s5YD7U/TtWf9TZwT8I/AAAAAAAAAyU/ydSPueb2jsM/s400/055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfnWCP-TDP4/TtWgQDjuSeI/AAAAAAAAAyc/R1sCsSRm5oI/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfnWCP-TDP4/TtWgQDjuSeI/AAAAAAAAAyc/R1sCsSRm5oI/s400/034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1IvcAtc27yg/TtWgj_oiOYI/AAAAAAAAAyk/3yj2aOK5kqg/s1600/019+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1IvcAtc27yg/TtWgj_oiOYI/AAAAAAAAAyk/3yj2aOK5kqg/s400/019+043.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeUHNgJmGJ4/TtWgxU-Yg-I/AAAAAAAAAys/WxvAQTpZ71M/s1600/021+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeUHNgJmGJ4/TtWgxU-Yg-I/AAAAAAAAAys/WxvAQTpZ71M/s400/021+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woawy9IIkR4/TtWg3iSUMpI/AAAAAAAAAy0/SwzokuuBUSg/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woawy9IIkR4/TtWg3iSUMpI/AAAAAAAAAy0/SwzokuuBUSg/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-1513316478745785772011-11-29T15:50:00.000-05:002011-11-29T15:50:01.008-05:00Black Friday, Blue Skies, and Red Wine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This year, I had a wonderful Black Friday. My mother, Liam&nbsp;and I drove down to the Waterloo Premium Outlets and shopped for the deals of deals. We lightened our&nbsp;purses considerably (purchased a few purses) and had a very good time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We spent the night in Geneva on the lake at a very pretty hotel. We took Liam for his first swim in a pool and thoroughly relaxed, dined, laughed and enjoyed ourselves. We didn't do a lot of waiting in lines and we just tried to enjoy the beautiful sunny day we were blessed with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Saturday, after room service (so fun) we made our way to Joann's for the shorter lines. I found some really adorable fabric and added quite a bit to my stash. For the first time in a long time I didn't even look&nbsp;through the remnants bin, I just bought what I wanted.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryjkb9aAXvY/TtRe7HDX_RI/AAAAAAAAAwc/Ncg658gn2hA/s1600/41+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryjkb9aAXvY/TtRe7HDX_RI/AAAAAAAAAwc/Ncg658gn2hA/s400/41+061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm not sure if the crosswords or the Eiffel towers are my favorite but they both called to me from the shelves!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbi2qmjtZFY/TtRfB86cSqI/AAAAAAAAAwk/dlhAM-B6bC4/s1600/41+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbi2qmjtZFY/TtRfB86cSqI/AAAAAAAAAwk/dlhAM-B6bC4/s400/41+062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">I cannot tell you why but I loved this Rooster fabric, love, love, love!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8hKV3BVjw0/TtRfGzAeocI/AAAAAAAAAws/BedgErnmYRE/s1600/41+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8hKV3BVjw0/TtRfGzAeocI/AAAAAAAAAws/BedgErnmYRE/s400/41+063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8hKV3BVjw0/TtRfGzAeocI/AAAAAAAAAws/BedgErnmYRE/s1600/41+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>And I thought this fruit was pretty darn cute too! <br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewUl3aAXM_I/TtRfMDRucCI/AAAAAAAAAw0/FY53uwJQ-ao/s1600/41+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewUl3aAXM_I/TtRfMDRucCI/AAAAAAAAAw0/FY53uwJQ-ao/s400/41+065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Someone very special has a mother who clipped&nbsp;<a href="http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=537499">this pillow</a> (also pictured below) out of a magazine and requested one if I found some free time. As I've said before, there's nothing I like more than requests. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09oLblotICo/TtU_QIV9oPI/AAAAAAAAAxc/1mMUcTui0oU/s1600/21291_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09oLblotICo/TtU_QIV9oPI/AAAAAAAAAxc/1mMUcTui0oU/s400/21291_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">So while I was in Joann's I picked up some very adorable fabric and mesh. I heard that the very special someone is very interested in dinosaurs as of late. So once I get <a href="http://www.misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2011/11/thursday-quilting-day.html">these Christmas Tree skirts</a> out of the way, I will whip up this pillow and get it in the mail for Christmas. I'm pretty sure my little brother Matthew would appreciate one of these as well.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MWxIEcgWOE/TtRe1XCfbTI/AAAAAAAAAwU/N9MuYBfCtYo/s1600/41+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MWxIEcgWOE/TtRe1XCfbTI/AAAAAAAAAwU/N9MuYBfCtYo/s400/41+059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">And lastly, I purchased some fabric for potholders, (again by request) how wonderful! I've only ever made one but I can't imagine they should be that difficult, only time will tell. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5evBnF-uqc/TtRfRPd-JSI/AAAAAAAAAw8/syvOuW-PLk4/s1600/41+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5evBnF-uqc/TtRfRPd-JSI/AAAAAAAAAw8/syvOuW-PLk4/s400/41+069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">I also purchased Insul-Bright, which is the special lining that goes inside of potholders and provides more of a buffer against heat. The instructions suggest including a layer of Warm and White batting to absorb any moisture. I am slightly unsure as to where the regular batting would go in an oven mitt? Should I put it inbetween the fabric and Insul-Bright or inbetween the Insul-Bright and inside of the mitt? Anyone have experience with this?</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-37135301206386713032011-11-29T08:35:00.000-05:002011-11-29T08:35:33.546-05:00Please pass the Potatoes...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This was Liam's first Thanksgiving! Next year he will be devouring a large plate of turkey, gravy, veggies,&nbsp;stuffing,&nbsp;cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie&nbsp;and mommy's favorite, Mashed Potatoes!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uctWko-xjG8/TtRee-bEi7I/AAAAAAAAAwM/JFXFk40RzcA/s1600/42+315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uctWko-xjG8/TtRee-bEi7I/AAAAAAAAAwM/JFXFk40RzcA/s400/42+315.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We all had a very great time and I was able to get a fair amount of quilting done (it's easier when there are many hands available to hold the little one)!﻿</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkWkLADgtks/TtReYY8g1II/AAAAAAAAAwE/dCWmxnSbx5o/s1600/42+313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkWkLADgtks/TtReYY8g1II/AAAAAAAAAwE/dCWmxnSbx5o/s400/42+313.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope your Thanksgiving was filled with all things pleasant!﻿</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-24272298695640158822011-11-22T09:15:00.001-05:002011-11-22T09:16:47.036-05:00Construction ZonePlease ignore the construction zone currently occupying my blog! I had no idea a few minor changes could completely mess everything up! I need to fix this...Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-69519235322908744662011-11-17T09:10:00.000-05:002011-11-22T09:33:31.212-05:00Thursday = Quilting DayThis morning, Liam woke me up bright and early, we played for an hour and I thought about my day. Today is a Quilting Day! Every Thursday I attend a "Quilting Class" or "Quilting Get-Together" with a few of the&nbsp;women from work. At 4:00pm, we set up our machines on large tables downstairs, spread out, someone makes a meal, sometimes we drink some wine, we laugh (sometimes silently curse) and quilt. I run home and bring Liam back with me (my mother and I trade off quilting with playing) and we have a great time.&nbsp;We rarely filter out of there before 7:30.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDvJyhycX7Y/TsUUi199OEI/AAAAAAAAAvE/vJcuP5mj-dI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDvJyhycX7Y/TsUUi199OEI/AAAAAAAAAvE/vJcuP5mj-dI/s400/photo.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>We are all currently working on <a href="http://misswhitewall.blogspot.com/2011/10/speaking-of-being-back-im-also-back-to.html"><strong>Tree Skirts</strong></a> for Christmas! Tonight I am demoing how to baste and machine quilt since I finally added my prairie points. I brought as many quilts as I could find, plenty of spare batting and old fabric for practice. Many of the women are first time quilters so this should be a lot of fun and quite a bit frustrating at times. I have offered to quilt anyones' tree skirt who doesn't feel up to the task, it is a daunting one! I will check back sometime soon to give you the full run down!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTPK71ROevE/TsHTIhiIUnI/AAAAAAAABZE/8TjJtGIpB4Q/s1600/DSC02004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="365" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTPK71ROevE/TsHTIhiIUnI/AAAAAAAABZE/8TjJtGIpB4Q/s400/DSC02004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In the interim... Please go check out my long-time friend Lauren's blog <a href="http://craftmylifeaway.blogspot.com/"><strong>Craft My Life Away</strong></a>! Tuesday was her 1 year Blogiversary and she is offering a fabulous <a href="http://craftmylifeaway.blogspot.com/2011/11/giveaway.html"><strong>giveaway</strong></a> in commemoration! Lauren and I met in college and both studied accounting, you could say great minds think alike. She has always been an avid crafter and amazing knitter. I did however introduce her into the world of quilting, and she has been an unstoppable force ever since!Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-36712117800098070222011-11-16T11:55:00.000-05:002011-11-22T09:33:50.539-05:00Overwhelmed?!!??!As I read through my blog reading list I keep coming across&nbsp;the same theme over and over again.&nbsp;We are all completely exhausted, thoroughly worn, stressed out, running behind, catching up, making excuses, giving apologies, and beating ourselves up.&nbsp;As I read the updates, my already jam-packed, quick-paced, whirl of a life begins to feel even more cramped and overwhelming. I find myself making more lists, noting more fabulous projects I want to start, worrying about Christmas shopping, counting the days since I last posted and obsessing over the countless WIP's I have sitting at home beckoning to me while I sit at my "real" job and worry! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMkcIw-pBk8/TsPqwxcmhRI/AAAAAAAAAus/aCZxhWz8r0o/s1600/Liam%252B008-1484177593-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMkcIw-pBk8/TsPqwxcmhRI/AAAAAAAAAus/aCZxhWz8r0o/s400/Liam%252B008-1484177593-O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When I get home I find myself hoping Liam will be able to entertain himself long enough to allow me to get some quilting in or I'll be forced to stay up until midnight while he sleeps and forgo the few hours of peace I get in a day because "I have to get something done!" Wait, wait, wait, this seems slightly backwards...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERPfGXcqAzw/TsPqz8w6wRI/AAAAAAAAAu0/Md9ku8r2uUQ/s1600/Liam%252B034-1484214884-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERPfGXcqAzw/TsPqz8w6wRI/AAAAAAAAAu0/Md9ku8r2uUQ/s400/Liam%252B034-1484214884-O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think most of us put quilting in the hobby category. Quilting is so often&nbsp;the "thing" that gives because we; can't&nbsp;dress in&nbsp;dirty clothes, eat from dirty dishes, munch on un-bought food, live without sleep, or be content without devoting&nbsp;those few&nbsp;free moments to&nbsp;our children, they are only little for so long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fXSd8vXUKk/TsPq1dIeyEI/AAAAAAAAAu8/Nc2qVUdKC1g/s1600/Liam%252B049-1484871593-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fXSd8vXUKk/TsPq1dIeyEI/AAAAAAAAAu8/Nc2qVUdKC1g/s400/Liam%252B049-1484871593-O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So tonight, I will go home and clean my room, finish the laundry,&nbsp;organize my life and play with Liam to his heart's content. When he finally falls asleep in my arms; I am going to hold him, kiss him, stare at him, squeeze him and love him fully without so much as a glance at the idle sewing machine sitting in the corner.&nbsp;"Tomorrow,"&nbsp;I say quietly to myself.&nbsp;"Tomorrow I will conquer the world." Today, I'm going to be content just living my life!</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808497055019721423.post-22485621058616031332011-11-01T08:16:00.000-04:002011-11-22T09:36:10.401-05:00A Kindergarten Smock<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My favorite 5 year old started Kindergarten this year, and boy&nbsp;were we thrilled! Although, Matthew has previously attended Head Start, this is his first year with a little bit more freedom. Kindergarten is a very large jump from Head Start, so along with a big school comes a big list of school supplies.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the things on the list was an art smock. The school recommends buying one at WalMart or using an old adult T-shirt. Well let me say that no little brother of mine need wear a used, oversized, plain jane T-shirt; so I got down to business.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gI1o4Ssh30/TqoiNl2MuLI/AAAAAAAAArM/j4zWQQoGypE/s1600/Liam+09-28-11+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gI1o4Ssh30/TqoiNl2MuLI/AAAAAAAAArM/j4zWQQoGypE/s400/Liam+09-28-11+046.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I received this upholstry fabric from Liam's Aunt Kristine (this woman is a life saver). She happened to find it for 50 cents at a yardsale, talk about a steal!&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDmeOGT-Q1M/Tq_U0a18d6I/AAAAAAAAAr8/iIH_W0uGRpM/s1600/Liam+09-28-11+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDmeOGT-Q1M/Tq_U0a18d6I/AAAAAAAAAr8/iIH_W0uGRpM/s400/Liam+09-28-11+065.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Below is a picture of Liam with his Aunt Kristine, Uncle Scott and only cousin Logan (you'll find them mentioned countless times on my blog, they truly are a blessing!)</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zP5hWMm7uwI/Tq_WBcHnFgI/AAAAAAAAAsE/xaZD7UBmOrU/s1600/Liam+09-28-11+108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zP5hWMm7uwI/Tq_WBcHnFgI/AAAAAAAAAsE/xaZD7UBmOrU/s400/Liam+09-28-11+108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I started the smock by just taking measurements and praying for the best.&nbsp; I followed the idea behind <strong><a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/10/childrens-art-smock.html">this tutorial</a></strong> and kind of made the rest up as I went along.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Unlike the tutorial I sewed up the sides, I have found that little boys need clear arm holes and neck lines or they're sure to end up with a leg sticking out of one of them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOZVVnIWw88/TqoixO2khkI/AAAAAAAAArs/-cvCXkHACtY/s1600/Liam+09-28-11+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOZVVnIWw88/TqoixO2khkI/AAAAAAAAArs/-cvCXkHACtY/s400/Liam+09-28-11+053.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I put a fairly large pocket in the front because little boys like to keep trucks, cars, and various other life necessities always at their fingertips.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Buc6NfAD2FY/TqoiWpWw_SI/AAAAAAAAArU/VPuUnyc4CiQ/s1600/Liam+09-28-11+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Buc6NfAD2FY/TqoiWpWw_SI/AAAAAAAAArU/VPuUnyc4CiQ/s400/Liam+09-28-11+048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I put a strip of velcro along the back because a tie or snap is far too difficult, especially behind the neck.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We practiced getting into and out of it over and over again, until we finally got the hang of it!</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwi3jhrV0QI/TqoipoFfgbI/AAAAAAAAArk/uqBt_5iGMJE/s1600/Liam+09-28-11+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwi3jhrV0QI/TqoipoFfgbI/AAAAAAAAArk/uqBt_5iGMJE/s400/Liam+09-28-11+060.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It has been sent off to school and hopefully when we see it again at the end of the year it is covered in paint, glue, marker and glitter, because if not we will certainly question what IS covered in those things...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iiY5L6RlZXM/Tq_UrewKZLI/AAAAAAAAAr0/hKQC5tvCb7s/s1600/Liam+09-28-11+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iiY5L6RlZXM/Tq_UrewKZLI/AAAAAAAAAr0/hKQC5tvCb7s/s400/Liam+09-28-11+058.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">They grow up so fast! Love you little brother!</div>Kimberly Whispellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10903812903526028826noreply@blogger.com0